Celtic international boost could be vital vs Rangers

International breaks are a double-edged sword for clubs and Celtic must be content with how this one turned out for them. The possibility of losing significant players to injuries always looms large in these situations and the stakes become much higher when the club plays its first post-break game against another title contender in what could well turn out to be a huge game in determining the destination of the league trophy come the end of the season.

Thus, any mishap could prove to be costly. And Celtic, currently being in that situation, clearly had a lot to lose during this international break.

Three points off the top position in the Scottish Premiership table, Rangers host Celtic at Ibrox Stadium next Sunday in a huge game in the title race. As such, Ange Postecoglou would have liked to avoid any major injuries ahead of the big game.

Under the management of Postecoglou, the Hoops have turned the tide this season and sit atop the points table. Yet, even one major injury at this stage of the season could potentially spoil everything.

Celtic international boost could prove vital vs Rangers

None of Callum McGregor, Greg Taylor and Carl Starfelt, featured in the recent game for their national teams, although Sweden’s failure to qualify for the World Cup would have come as a blow for the centre-back.

Matt O’Riley did make a 20 minute cameo for the Denmark under-21s side and managed to impress with his display off the bench.

The only problem that Celtic face coming out of the international break is the injury that Welsh picked up while representing the Scotland under-21s side.

The focus must now shift towards the upcoming Glasgow Derby this weekend. It is arguably the biggest match of the season for both clubs. A win for Celtic could spell the end of the title race. Even a draw would be a huge result. But a defeat against the Rangers would be a hammer blow.